Drink-driver banned after he was spotted swerving in the road

Chesterfield magistrates' court.

Published:14:21Thursday 14 July 2016

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A booze-fuelled motorist who was spotted swerving across the road has been banned from driving for 20 months.

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Tuesday, July 12, how Paul Carlin, 43, of Ashton Close, Swanwick, Alfreton, was followed by Police Community Support Officers before he was given roadside breath-test.

Prosecuting solicitor Becky Allsop said: “The PCSOs were driving towards Swanwick Road and saw a Mercedes pull-out in front of their vehicle and the driver was swerving into both lanes and he moved very wide when he took a corner.

“The vehicle pulled up on Ashton Close and officers said there was a strong smell of alcohol.”

Carlin was tested and registered 74microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath when the legal limit is 35microgrammes of alcohol.

He pleaded guilty to exceeding the alcohol drink-drive limit after the incident on June 24.

Carlin said: “It was totally out of character what happened on this occasion and it was a moment of stupidity.”

The defendant told how he works for Toyota in Derby as a vehicle technician and will have to rely on a lift-share to commute.

Magistrates fined Carlin £461 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £46 victim surcharge.

He was also banned from driving for 20 months but if he completes a drink-drive rehabilitation course the ban can be reduced.